Packaging is the fastest growing segment in the North American printing industry. However, packaging is changing. The complexity of packaging is increasing exponentially and consumer product companies (CPCs) must always be evolving, keeping up with the demands of their various target audiences.
So what is a packaging buyer to do?
Jackie Bland recently wrote an article in The Magazine by Printing Industries of America titled, "Trends Driving Packaging in the Future," that presents an interesting study by the Print Industries Market Information and Research organization, PRIMIR. Their study shows that "in extremely uncertain times, brand owners face challenges on many fronts: corporate sustainability objectives, regulatory uncertainty, and volatile raw material costs and availabilities. But one of the most important challenges is changing consumer demands. Many challenges arise from shifting demographics, which call for changes in how products are developed, marketed, distributed and packaged."
"With these changes and the proliferation of SKUs, historically larger packaging orders are splintering into an ever-expanding series of smaller orders with shorter and less predictable lead times. This could lead to a shift from historical packaging converters who handle large-volume orders with longer lead times to smaller firms who are more flexible and nimble."
"Change generally equates to 'opportunity' in the segments."
Flexible!! And Nimble!! This is why Salem Printing focuses on much more than the final product. One of our competitive advantages, Project Management, is squarely aimed at this demand by our clients. The production of the item is one thing, but the flexibility and efficiency to produce and manage a growing number of SKUs within a Brand line and deliver them throughout a diverse logistical plan is where the future of packaging meets the reality of today. We live in this reality every day and could not be more excited about the future for our clients. Present trends should open up many new and exciting opportunities for these clients and we are here to turn these opportunities into realities!